An Intermediate Phase at the Metal-Insulator Boundary in a Magnetically Doped Two-Dimensional Electron System

TL;DR

This study investigates a magnetically doped 2D quantum well system, revealing an intermediate phase with colossal magnetoresistance phenomena linked to phase separation and ferromagnetic bubble formation near the metal-insulator transition.

Contribution

It uncovers an intermediate phase characterized by phase separation and ferromagnetic bubbles, providing new insights into the metal-insulator transition in magnetically doped 2D systems.

Findings

Identification of an anomalous intermediate phase

Observation of colossal magnetoresistance-like phenomena

Evidence of phase separation and ferromagnetic bubbles

Abstract

A magnetotransport study in magnetically doped (Cd,Mn)Te 2D quantum wells reveals an apparent metal-insulator transition as well as an anomalous intermediate phase just on its metallic side. This phase is characterized by colossal magnetoresistance-like phenomena, which are assigned to the phase separation of the electron fluid and the associated emergence of ferromagnetic bubbles.